What is Papillon Radiotherapy?

With the improvements in bowel/colorectal screening in the UK, more patients will be diagnosed with early rectal cancer. Management of this condition has improved beyond recognition in recent years and so have the resources available to help patients make informed treatment choices. Contact radiotherapy using the Papillon technique is one such option and may be suitable for you, a family member or a patient you are supporting.

Treatments are carried out a short distance from the tumour rather than in physical contact. The term X ray Brachytherapy (short distance) has been adopted to best describe the treatment technique. It was first developed in France by Professor J. Papillon for the treatment of rectal cancer and it has now been adopted by several leading cancer centres throughout the world. The treatments are given in high doses (typically 20 Grays per treatment) to an area close to the tumour. This is done every 2 weeks for a total of three outpatient treatments. Aside from some local anaesthetic in the form of cream, no other anaesthesia is required.

Treatment with the Papillon 50 does not destroy muscle function and can avoid surgery along with distressing side effects such as incontinence. Recovery is faster and quality of life is preserved.